Fardeen unplugged

[nikikapur]

What is your style statement?
(Stands up and with a smile on his face, quips...) Mystic Monk. Well, it could be anything that gives me comfort. And in which I always feel good. Moreover, it totally depends upon the occasion and my mood, of course.

Your favourite fashion designer?
Shahid Aamir. He has been designing my clothes since my first film and has done a wonderful job.

You are tinsel town’s one of the style icons. Please share the secret.
I very religiously follow trends. That might be the secret.

It’s said that marriage changes a person. Are you also a changed man post getting hitched? Any habits that have changed after marriage?
Yeah, there are few changes. Like, I can’t increase the volume of my home theatre system while watching movies, but I try and raise it when my wife drops off (smiles). Jokes apart, I don’t buy the point that life does or should change post marriage. It’s not called for. Natasha and I tied the knot at a time when we both were ready to accept each other the way we were... with our virtues and flaws. The understanding that we share is amazingly great. Yes, responsibilities, for sure, do increase. And now, I’m answerable to someone. That’s it.

What's the best thing about getting married?
Life becomes more beautiful when you have an understanding partner. The feeling, in itself, brings a smile on your face.

And the worst thing?
Oh! Nothing. At least I haven’t come across any so far. And I thank my God for that.

Which film of yours Natasha loves the most?
She simply adores No Entry.

Arranged marriage or love marriage – which one do you recommend?
It’s a personal choice... varies from person to person. How can I recommend? I’m no expert at marriage. But yes, both the options have their respective pros and cons. Whether going in for arranged marriage or for love marriage, one must at least know the other person to some extent... that’s all I can say.

What are your leisure pursuits?
I love traveling and car-racing. I have traveled the entire Europe.

Do you feel you have got what you deserve?
I’m happy that I’ve always been lucky enough to work with those whom I personally like. Being on the top or being an actor number one has never been my concern. I always want to maintain the status of a quality actor, which can be achieved only through good and meaningful roles. Ranking hardly matters.

You have done both – action and comedy films. Which is more fun?
I enjoy doing both. Actually, action roles have very rarely come my way; I did action in Jungle. I’ve mostly done romantic and comedy films. A couple of my upcoming movies are action thrillers.

Very few of your films have been declared successful at the Box Office. What do you think has been the reason behind?
Oh! Really sorry to disappoint you. I promise I’ll be more careful while choosing films from now on (smiles).

It is said that you are not very aggressive about your career. What do you have to say on that?
I love my work but I love enjoying my life too. Personally, it’s more important for me to live every moment happily... and to be at peace. When I’m working, I’m working. I’m very serious and passionate about my profession and have always done what I thought would be good for my career. But then, I too need a break. That’s why I take some time off after a certain period of time... to be with my family, my wife. I believe in prioritising things in my life but that doesn’t mean I’m not aggressive enough for my career.

Your favourite co-stars and friends in the industry?
Ritesh (Deshmukh), Akshay (Kumar) and Sajid (Khan). They are great friends. And I really loved working with them in Heyy Babyy.

Is there any role that you would like to do?
I would really love to play a tragic historical character.

A film you regret doing?
None. I have always signed and done films that really appealed to me. And I’ll continue doing that. So no regrets. I’m completely contented with all of the films I have been a part of... with all the characters I’ve played to date. My work rejuvenates me; I always find myself with a new get-up-and-go attitude with my each passing venture.

Please enlighten us on the remake of Qurbani. Is it still on?
Definitely, it is. Though I can’t reveal much about it, but I would like to tell you one thing... the plot of the new Qurbani will be according to the current, contemporary scenario. So it will give the audience a fresh feel altogether.

Tell us about your forthcoming movies and your characters in those films?
There is Dulha Mil Gaya, directed by Mudassar Aziz. My co-actors in it are Shahrukh Khan, Sushmita Sen and Tara Sharma. It’s a romantic drama. Then I have Life Partner, Jai Veeru and Acid Factory. Life Partner is a romantic comedy. Jai Veeru and Acid Factory are action thrillers. So, all in all, I have quite interesting roles in all of my upcoming projects.